The NFL’s relationship with the military isn’t always obvious, but it runs deeper than sideline ceremonies or camo uniforms. In 1943, with World War II reshaping every corner of American life, the league faced a stark reality: rosters were gutted as players enlisted or were drafted into service. In response, two longtime rivals—the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles—combined forces for a single season, forming a makeshift team known as the ‘Steagles’. It was an unusual fix for an unusual time, a concession to the war effort that underscored how even the most competitive corners of American culture were not exempt from sacrifice. The team finished middle of the pack, but their story endures as a reminder: football didn’t pause for war, but it bent to meet it.

That history, which is rarely mentioned but never quite gone, echoes back every Memorial Day. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 23 people tied to the NFL died in World War II, and two more in Vietnam. Those names don’t fill stadium banners, but they remain part of the sport’s lineage. On this day, when flags line front porches and military honors fill morning broadcasts, the NFL folds itself into the national ritual.

This year was no different. Across social media and stadiums, from retired legends to current stars and their families, the NFL community paused to reflect. Troy Aikman, the Hall of Fame Cowboys quarterback and longtime Fox broadcaster, was among those who marked the day with reverence. Posting to Instagram, Aikman shared a video featuring a now-iconic speech delivered by President Ronald Reagan at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in 1985. “We owe them a debt we can never repay,” Aikman wrote in his caption, echoing Reagan’s words. “Forever thankful to those brave souls that left home never to return—for love of country. God bless our fallen and the USA. 🇺🇸🙏🏼”

The speech Aikman shared remains one of the most powerful presidential tributes to America’s war dead. Reagan, speaking at the black granite wall etched with thousands of names, captured the unspeakable toll of war. “Most of them were boys when they died,” he said. “They gave up two lives—the one they were living and the one they would have lived.” 

Reagan’s words have stuck with so many because they cut through the usual rhetoric of politics and speak directly to the heart of sacrifice. “They gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers,” he said. “They gave up their chance to be revered old men.”

Aikman’s post highlights the broader connection the NFL has to this as well. Since its inception in 2011, the NFL’s Salute to Service campaign has been a cornerstone of the league’s efforts to honor and support military personnel, veterans, and their families. This initiative has raised over $66 million for military-focused nonprofits, including the Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, the USO, and the Wounded Warrior Project. These funds have been instrumental in providing scholarships, mental health resources, and community support to those who have served.

And just like every Memorial Day, other players, as well as the families of players, also joined in on paying their respects online, with the entire NFL community uniting for this day and for America.

Several others from the NFL join in to pay respect

On May 26th, as the nation united to honor the fallen, the NFL community did the same, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who served. Players, coaches, and their families took to social media, sharing heartfelt tributes in their own unique ways, offering thanks and reverence for those who gave their lives for freedom.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger captured the sentiment perfectly with a simple yet powerful tweet: “Land of the Free because of the Brave. #MemorialDay #GodBlessAmerica.”

Joining them was Patrick Mahomes‘ mother, Randi Mahomes. Mahomes uploaded on her Instagram story, a Memorial Day prayer for all the departed souls. She prayed for the peace of the souls, and wrote, “Grateful for our fallen heroes.” Taking a moment to remember and thank those who readily gave their lives, so that others could live.

The NFL itself joined in the commemoration with a thoughtful tribute: “Today we honor and remember our nation’s heroes, including NFL players, coaches, and team personnel who answered the call to service when freedom was threatened. #MemorialDay #SaluteToService.” This recognition underscores the ongoing bond between the league and the military, a bond steeped in sacrifice, honor, and remembrance.